Japan launches its first military communications satellite

Japan’s first military communications satellite was launched on Tuesday afternoon from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The launch of Kirameki-2 satellite, conducted within the program of modernization of the Self-Defense Forces’ ability to improve dealing with security challenges, was broadcast online via Internet.

Kirameki-2 satellite will replace three civilian ones, which, at present, are being exploited by the Self-Defense Forces.

New military satellites will ensure direct high-speed communication between the units of Japan Ground, Naval and Air Self-Defense Forces. Necessity to use military satellites was conditioned by the government’s efforts to improve the communication infrastructure amid nuclear and military threats on the part of North Korea.